Remains of missing James Island diver recovered

PROVIDED
Tristen Allen, seen here in a family photo, went missing July 12 while diving with his father. The Charleston County Coroner's Office said Thursday that remains of the 18-year-old had been recovered and identified.

Remains of a missing James Island teenage diver were identified Thursday.

Charleston County Deputy Coroner Brittney Martin said DNA testing linked the remains to 18-year-old Tristen Henderson Allen. She declined to say where or how the remains were found.

Allen was last seen July 12 while diving with his father, attorney Sam Allen, about 13 miles off the coast of Folly Beach, according to the Coast Guard. The father and son surfaced together, but the younger man apparently slipped back underwater soon afterward.

Bone fragments were found in the greater dive area known as the "Charleston 60 Reef," according to family friend Billy Tanner.

"The family is naturally experiencing another wave of emotion and grief at these findings and asks the media and public to respect that this is and has been a very difficult time for them and all who loved their son so dearly," Tanner said.

Allen had just graduated from James Island Charter High School, where he was a popular student who played middle linebacker on the football team. He and his father were spending time together before he started at The Citadel. Scores of friends posted prayers for him and his family after he went missing.

A ceremony for family and friends to honor Tristen Allen's life is set for 2-4 p.m. Aug. 3 at his high school.

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